Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the spicy, tangy flavors of buffalo chicken with the classic deliciousness of pizza. This pizza is topped with tender chicken coated in a rich buffalo sauce, smothered with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bold flavors: Spicy buffalo chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients that you can have ready in no time.
- Customizable: Add extra toppings like onions, cilantro, or extra cheese for your perfect pizza.
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dough:
- All-purpose flour: The main base for your pizza dough, providing structure and texture.
- Active dry yeast: Helps the dough rise and become soft and airy.
- Sugar: Feeds the yeast to activate it and promote rising.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the dough.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
- Warm water: Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
For the Buffalo Chicken Topping:
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed chicken breast works best for this pizza.
- Buffalo sauce: The signature spicy, tangy sauce that gives this pizza its bold flavor.
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: For drizzling over the pizza, adding creaminess and balancing the spice.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The classic pizza cheese, melting beautifully over the chicken.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds a sharp, melty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo chicken.
- Celery (optional): Chopped celery adds a fresh crunch that complements the buffalo sauce.
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions or cilantro: Adds freshness and color to the finished pizza.
- Extra buffalo sauce: For drizzling on top for those who want extra heat.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Add the olive oil and salt to the yeast mixture. Gradually mix in the flour until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Buffalo Chicken
- While the dough is rising, cook and shred the chicken if you haven’t already.
- In a bowl, toss the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two portions (for two pizzas) or keep it as one large pizza.
- Roll the dough out on a floured surface into your desired shape (round or rectangular) and transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Brush the dough lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up during baking.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing over the pizza dough as a base.
- Evenly spread the buffalo chicken mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese over the chicken.
Step 5: Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Once out of the oven, drizzle extra buffalo sauce over the top if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Step 6: Serve
- Slice the pizza into wedges and serve hot with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Servings: 8
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 680mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 18g
FAQ
Q1: Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
A1: Yes, store-bought pizza dough works well if you want to save time. Just follow the package instructions for baking.
Q2: Can I make the buffalo chicken ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the buffalo chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the pizza.
Q3: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A3: Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella and cheddar with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a spicy cheese blend for extra flavor.
Q4: Can I make this pizza spicy?
A4: If you want more heat, add extra buffalo sauce or even some sliced jalapeños to the pizza before baking.
Q5: Can I freeze the leftover pizza?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the leftover pizza. Once cooled, wrap slices in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q6: Can I make this pizza with a gluten-free crust?
A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free pizza crust if you need a gluten-free version. Make sure to follow the instructions for the crust you choose.
Q7: What can I serve with this pizza?
A7: This pizza pairs well with a simple salad, extra dipping sauce, or some crispy oven-baked fries for a complete meal.
Q8: Can I use other meats in place of chicken?
A8: Yes, you can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp for different variations of this pizza.
Q9: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A9: To avoid a soggy crust, be sure to pre-bake the pizza dough for a few minutes before adding the toppings, especially if you’re using a wet sauce.
Q10: Can I add veggies to this pizza?
A10: Yes, feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
This Buffalo Chicken Pizza is the perfect blend of spicy, creamy, and cheesy goodness. It’s an ideal dish for pizza night or when you’re craving something bold and delicious!
PrintBuffalo Chicken Pizza
Buffalo Chicken Pizza combines the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with tender chicken and creamy mozzarella. Perfect for a fun and spicy dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Pizza:
- 18–20 ounces pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (8 oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes (fully cooked)
- 6–7 slices fresh mozzarella (about 8 oz)
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/3 cup flour (for crust)
- Pinch of salt
- For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) and place a pizza stone in the oven to preheat for 1 hour. This helps create a crispy crust.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a small skillet, cook the chicken cubes on medium heat with a little oil until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and drizzle 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce over the chicken, stirring to coat. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dough:
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Sprinkle a small pinch of salt over the dough.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Lightly dust a pizza peel with flour to prevent sticking and transfer the rolled-out dough onto it.
- Spread the buffalo sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
- Add the cooked buffalo chicken, slices of fresh mozzarella, and top with thinly sliced red onions. If you like extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños.
- Bake:
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. Keep an eye on it, as oven times may vary.
- Serve:
- Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra crispy crust, make sure to preheat the pizza stone for at least an hour.
- To make the pizza milder, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or add extra ranch/blue cheese drizzle on top after baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: : 1 slice (based on 8 slices per pizza)
- Calories: 250kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg